Published: June 22, 2009 12:26 am         

Vigo jail inmates caught during alleged escape attempt

Vigo County law enforcement remains undefeated in its battle with escape attempts.

Two inmates were discovered in the ceiling area of the Vigo County Jail about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Jake Compton, who acknowledged the inmates were most likely trying to escape.

The inmates allegedly forced a section of the jail ceiling up and tried to climb through metal spacings, he said.

The breach occurred within the jail’s M-Block, and Compton said Sunday afternoon that cubicles M-1, M-2 and M-5 had to be closed down during the ensuing struggles.

According to Compton, Anthony Cross, one of the inmates reportedly in the ceiling, became “very aggressive and combative” with jail personnel during the process and would not come down. A struggle ensued, leaving officers with scratches and bruises and Cross with a possibly broken jaw. Cross is “a violent offender” in jail on multiple allegations, Compton said, calling his injuries “unfortunate.”

According to jail personnel, Cross was facing allegations of receiving stolen property, probation violation, false reporting, driving while suspended, robbery and carjacking. He was in custody with three separate bail amounts – one for $25,000, one for $10,000, and the third for $75,000, all set for cash only, no 10-percent allowed.

His next court date was scheduled for July 14.

Cross was transported to Union Hospital and then Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis before returning to the jail. Compton said a followup visit with doctors will be made, but his medical condition was unknown Sunday evening.

Compton described the response from assisting agencies as “wonderful, overwhelming.”

Officers from the Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State University Police, and West Terre Haute Police Department combined for a force of about 25 as a perimeter was established around the jail, he said.

“We are going to pursue this investigation through the criminal investigation division,” Compton said, noting that other inmates will be interviewed to determine if additional charges can be filed against Cross and the other inmate, whose name was not made available.

Compton said officers were working at the jail until early Sunday morning, adding that inmates were returned to cubicles between 1:30 and 2 a.m.

“We’ve never actually had anyone ever escape,” he said. “We’ve had several attempts, but to date, no one has been successful.”

The jail continues to have security problems with the ceiling structure in the jail, Compton said, noting that construction workers are being scheduled to make modifications.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.